8 Noise-Canceling Headphones Our Editors Never Travel Without
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Long commutes and even longer flights with constant noise can be pretty rough. From endless side chatter to fussy babies on board, it can be hard to focus or catch some shut eye. This is where the best noise-canceling headphones come in handy. Noise-canceling headphones can be used for a multitude of reasons: better sound quality in meetings; to help focus while studying in the library; to record voiceovers for your Instagram reels; or just to create a calm atmosphere when you need an escape from your roommates. The audio landscape is ever-evolving, meaning there are plenty of great noise-canceling headphones on the market that exceed standard sound quality and average battery life. With the help of our editors, we've narrowed down our list of the best noise-canceling headphones to accompany you on your next long-haul flight.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones
I've had my Bowers and Wilkins headphones for about nine months. I have smaller ears, so I was always concerned with the bulkiness and weight of an over-the-ear headphone, but these have been a great fit. They feature soft leather ear pads with an adjustable headband and a suctioned fit. They've been my go-to for long-haul flights and when I'm writing while in the office (like now). They're a must-have in my carry-on and they're easy to pack, thanks to their matching case. I have nothing but high praise for the battery life— boasting over 30 hours of playback and getting me to a destination and back on a single charge. With so many Bluetooth headphones on the market, it's hard to remember you need a good-old-pair of earbuds with a cord to enjoy in-flight entertainment—but, luckily, these come with a cord that can be plugged into an airline TV. The sound quality is unmatched, as the Px7 S2 uses custom-designed speakers that drive the sound straight into your ear, creating an immersive experience. Plus, they're incredibly easy to use, with the noise-canceling feature a simple press of a button behind the right ear pad. –Paris Wilson, commerce writer
Apple AirPods Pro
I’ve had my AirPod Pros for about a year now, as a replacement for a pair that I lost. Since then, I’ve taken my AirPods everywhere with me. They’ve traveled to the deserts of Saudi Arabia, to the islands of Palau, to the seaside resorts of Capri and Portofino. I keep one AirPod in one ear with the transparency feature on to give me a little bit of a movie soundtrack to accompany the ambient sounds of the location. In the more boring parts of their life, they come with me on my subway commutes and to the gym when I exercise. They do a lot on a single charge, and they only die when I forget to put them back into their case. I love that they pair easily with my phone and that they can use the same charger as my laptop. The spatial audio features are also very cool, as they dynamically adjust the sound quality and “direction” when I move my head and body in relation to where my phone is. I mean, granted, that’s not a must-have, but it’s one of those cool tech-y things that I think is very fun without much true function. —Matt Ortile, associate editor
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX headphones
I got these headphones in mid-2021, but I had a previous design (B&O Play H7) for six years before handing them down to my partner when I upgraded. My ultimate happy place is watching a movie on an airplane seat screen—preferably something made before 2005—with my headphones plugged in and my WiFi turned off. No one can bother me, and I couldn’t even hear them if they tried. They look so sleek. In terms of functionality, these are super noise-canceling—sometimes I have to take them off just to remember that life is happening around me. A single charge has lasted every long-haul flight I’ve brought these on (12+ hours, in some cases) which deserves a medal of some sort. —Erika Owens, contributor
Sonos Ace headphones
The Sonos Ace headphones deliver amazing, balanced sound with crystal-clear vocals. When listening to music, I found myself noticing parts of songs I haven’t with other headphones. The noise-canceling functionality works well to block the world out while the passthrough mode isolates sounds so you can hear overhead announcements, vehicles on the street, or people passing by on the sidewalk. I wore the headphones for the entirety of a flight from the US to Scotland without complaint; the headphones were designed with comfort (and your hair) in mind and weigh in at just 11 ounces. They're noticeably light and cushioned, both ear pads use memory foam wrapped in vegan leather to keep you comfortable, and the hinge-free headband was specifically designed to ensure weight is distributed evenly. Plus, they're easy to stow in a bag, thanks to the thin, rectangular felt-covered case. —Emily Price, contributor
Read a full review here.
JBL Tour One M2 noise-canceling headphones
I got these JBL Tour One noise-canceling headphones two years ago with long flights in mind, hoping to block out the sound of noisy neighbors and the plane itself. My hesitation with over-the-ear headphones was always that they seemed impossible to pack and protect, and that they look too bulky to actually wear comfortably for hours. These proved me wrong: They've accompanied me on flights to Milan, London, and Cancun, and they never bother my ears—the extra-soft cushioning keeps me comfortable and it’s held up well even after years and countless trips. And thanks to their carrying case, they’re protected in any carry-on or weekender bag and don’t take up too much room. While I originally got them for travel, I now wear them regularly to write; they really do the trick at blocking out the noise and helping me work without any distractions. But if you do want to be aware of the sounds around you, simply switch to “ambient aware” and you can still enjoy your music while staying alert. More things I love: The impressive battery-life never fails me (up to 50 hours of playback, that is), an adjustable headband, and the great sound quality. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor
Bose QuietComfort headphones
I bought my headphones way back in 2017, and by some miracle, they’re still going strong. I even recently had to replace the ear cushions as the fabric was falling apart, but I’m so attached to them that I can’t imagine having another pair now. They’re so comfortable to wear, and have incredible noise canceling–ideal for busy planes or public transport. In comparison to my AirPods, the battery life is amazing; they last for around a week of work commutes without needing a charge. However, in the warmest summer months I do tend to switch to in-ear headphones, just because I find the ear padding a little warm. —Abigail Malbon, global audience development manager
Technics EAH-AZ80 Hi-Fi True wireless earbuds
I've had the Technics wireless earbuds for a little over a year. I'd definitely recommend it for those who are weary about how much they won't be able to hear with the noise-canceling effect. Whether on a plane, in the car, or riding the train, you'll still be able to hear the overhead announcements. A customized fit is easy to come by— inside the packaging is five pairs of silicone ear pieces to choose from, so the in-ear buds can will be comfortable and stay in place. They can be simultaneously linked to three devices via Bluetooth, so if you have a Zoom meeting and then a phone call right after, it'll jump from one device to the next without you having to wait for it to finish syncing. —P.W.
Marshall Monitor II A.N.C headphones
These headphones gave me my own personal bubble of peace while I lived in a suite with three other roommates, and they still do whenever I ride the subway or work in busy offices and cafés. The reported 30 hours of charge holds up, and as long as they’re given a full charge on a weekly basis, there’s no need to keep these plugged in. The Marshall Monitor II’s have a few peers at their premium price point, but they stand out because of their design. Where others look plasticky and minimal, every detail on the Monitor II headphone feels cared for, from the pebbled leather shell on the cups to the fun guitar riff that plays anytime they’ve successfully connected. The weightiness of the headphones speak to the high quality of the materials Marshall uses, but it is well-balanced with generous cushioning on the cups and band, and when properly adjusted, they make for a satisfyingly compact fit. You’d be hard-pressed to find better looking headphones, or better feeling ones if you’re the type of person that enjoys a snug and secure wear. —Kat Chen, destination editorial assistant
